English clubs backing ‘Football for Heroes’ week
All 72 League clubs will participate in fund-raising activities for the charity, Help for Heroes
The English Football League has announced that all 72 of its clubs are backing a special week-long event in a bid to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes - the League’s official charity for this season.
‘Football for Heroes’ week begins this weekend, and will give football fans across the country the opportunity to show their support for the efforts and sacrifices of the British Armed Forces.
Each of the 72 clubs will stage a designated match at their home ground where various fund-raising activities will take place, including organised bucket collections and the auctioning of signed merchandise.
Help for Heroes is the Football League’s first ever official charity partner and was chosen by the public through week-long online poll in which 25,000 football fans selected their favourite from five short-listed charities.
Prior to the event, individual clubs have been taking the initiative in order to raise funds for the cause. Charlton Athletic raised over £7,500 during a match against Leyton Orient via bucket collections and the auctioning of an executive box. Meanwhile back in November, Millwall generated £8,278 for the charity during their tie with Wycombe Wanderers.
And there have also been personal efforts from players with Peter Leven, the MK Dons midfielder, pledging to donate £5 to the Forces charity for every goal his team scores this season.
Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League said: “The contribution being made by our Armed Forces around the world is truly humbling.”
“As a nation we do not thank them enough for the sacrifices they make. The Football for Heroes week will provide an excellent opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for the outstanding work being done.”
Find out more about what activities your club is planning on The Official Football League website.
